The Stiferio

Cities

11 Novembre 2024

Bitonto, known as the Capital of Olive Oil, is a city that combines history, traditions, and artistic beauty. Located in the heart of Apulia, this charming destination is renowned for its centuries-old olive groves and the production of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, particularly from the Cima di Bitonto cultivar.

The olive trees, with their gnarled trunks and lush green foliage, define the landscape of the Murgia region, becoming the city’s emblem. The olive tree, also featured in the city’s coat of arms, symbolizes peace, hospitality, and economic prosperity, thanks to olive oil, the true “liquid gold” of Apulia. The tradition of olive oil dates back to the 13th century, when Bitonto’s ogliarola began to be traded, heralding an early industrial evolution.

Bitonto’s historic center is an open-air museum where every corner tells centuries of history. Walking along the ancient stone-paved streets known as chianche, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks such as the Angioino Tower, the only surviving tower of the thirty that once protected the city, and the Porta Baresana, the ancient gateway to the road leading to Bari.

Don’t miss the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and San Valentino, a masterpiece of Apulian Romanesque architecture, famous for its 11th-century mosaic of the Griffin. Just a short walk away, the National Gallery of Apulia “Devanna”, housed in the Sylos-Calò Palace, features works by great artists such as Veronese, De Nittis, Delacroix, and Poussin.

Piazza Cavour, the heart of the old town, is dotted with churches, historic palaces, and picturesque alleys, illuminated by antique lanterns that create a magical atmosphere, perfect for travelers seeking authentic beauty.

Bitonto is also famous for its religious and cultural events, which attract visitors year-round. During Holy Week, the processions become moments of profound emotion. In May, the Patronal Feast of Maria SS Immacolata is celebrated with a historical parade that reenacts the battle between the Spanish and Austrians. In October, the Feast of the Holy Doctors Cosmas and Damian draws pilgrims from all over the region.

To visit: Cathedral of San Valentino Angioino Tower Porta Baresana National Gallery of Apulia “Devanna” Church of San Francesco d’Assisi Sylos-Calò and Sylos-Vulpano Palaces Archaeological Museum

The Patronal Feast of the Immacolata Concezione

Friday of Passion

Processione dell'Addolorata

The Holy Week in Bitonto begins with the touching Processione dell'Addolorata, a rite of intense drama and deep devotion. The statue of the Virgin, wrapped in a long, thin black tulle, represents the universal pain of a mother facing the suffering of her son.

The procession crosses the streets of the historic center and the 18th-century district throughout the morning, accompanied by the children's choir from elementary schools singing “La Desolata”. This traditional hymn, composed in the early 20th century by Canon Cepollaro to the verses of Bishop Pasquale Berardi, is a touching tribute to the Vergine Addolorata.

-Date: April 11, 2025

-Time: 17:30

-Place: Cattedrale di Bitonto

Night Between Thursday and Good Friday

Processione dei Misteri

In the early hours of the morning, from the 15th-century church of San Domenico, begins the evocative Processione dei Misteri, organized by the Arciconfraternita Maria SS. del Rosario. This ancient and solemn rite presents eight wooden statues, true works of art, depicting the significant moments of the Passion of Christ:

1. Gesù nell'orto

2. Gesù alla colonna

3. Gesù con la canna

4. Gesù con la croce

5. Il Calvario

6. La Pietà

7. Cristo Morto

8. L'Addolorata

The bearers, dressed in the traditional "stiferio" (long tailcoat of English origin), support the statues on their shoulders. The procession is accompanied by bands playing the evocative funeral marches of Bitonto's maestros Carelli, Delle Cese, and Abbate. At 9:00, in Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the Via Crucis is held, a particularly emotional moment as the Sacred Images pass by.

-Date: April 18, 2025

-Time: 6:00

-Place: Chiesa di San Domenico

Good Friday

Processione Solenne del Venerdì Santo

In the late afternoon of Good Friday, the Processione Solenne departs from the evocative Chiesa del Purgatorio. Through the streets of the historic center and the roads adjacent to the ancient city walls, two important simulacra pass by: Cristo Deposto (La Nach) and L'Addolorata, preceded by the confraternals of the Arciconfraternita di Santa Maria del Suffragio.

Behind the Addolorata, the Legno Santo follows, a unique floral trophy that holds two fragments of the Cross of Christ. The fragments, set in a 19th-century silver cross, were donated to the city in 1711 and are one of the most venerated symbols of Bitonto's Holy Week.

The procession is enhanced by the presence of an authentic copy of the Sacra Sindone, made in 1646 in Turin and donated to Bitonto by Bishop Alessandro Crescenzi. This solemn moment concludes in the heart of the night, when Piazza Moro is illuminated only by the flames of the fires arranged along the perimeter, creating a unique atmosphere filled with emotion.

-Date: April 18, 2025

-Time: 18:00 - 2:00

-Place: Chiesa del Purgatorio

Good Friday

La Sacra Sindone

Among the most precious attractions of Bitonto's Holy Week is the Sacra Sindone, one of the three copies in the world made ex contactu in 1646 during its exhibition in Turin. Donated by Bishop Alessandro Crescenzi, it was first carried in procession on May 25, 1659. Today, it can be admired during the Processione Solenne del Venerdì Santo, continuing to attract the faithful and visitors fascinated by its history and spiritual value.

-Date: April 18, 2025

-Time: 18:00 - 2:00

-Place: Chiesa del Purgatorio

Good Friday

Il Legno Santo

The Legno Santo, kept in a silver and crystal cross, contains two fragments of the Cross of Christ, traditionally taken from Jerusalem by Saint Helena, Constantine's mother. Each year, the floral trophy that holds it is created by the most talented local artisans, making this symbol unique in each edition of Holy Week.

Parading immediately behind the Addolorata in the Processione Solenne del Venerdì Santo, the Legno Santo is one of the most awaited and venerated moments by the faithful.

-Date: April 18, 2025

-Time: 18:00 - 2:00

-Place: Chiesa del Purgatorio